I just had to share this. One of the Philippines’ pride, El Gamma Penumbra, performing their tribute to the victims and survivors of the Zamboanga crisis, Cebu and Bohol earthquake, and typhoon Haiyan.

Indeed, the Filipinos had been and will always be indomitable in spirit.

Today the year’s strongest super typhoon in the world hit the Philippines.

As I am writing this post, Haiyan (international name) a.k.a Yolanda is still devastating parts of the Philippines, especially provinces in Visayas.

Videos and photos in the news are heartbreaking, especially since some of the provinces that got hit the worst were hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake just a month ago.

One of the affected cities, Tacloban, also experienced a 10ft high storm surges aide from the torrential rain and strong winds. In 30 minutes, the streets were flooded that it was practically wiped out. A video was posted by Atom Araullo, an ABS-CBN reporter, who fearlessly went to Tacloban to do a coverage, in the station’s website:

But, Tacloban is not the only city affected by Haiyan. It wrecked (and is still wrecking) havoc on every single city it passed.

However, as the storm continues to devastate our little paradise, I am grateful for two things: 1. Haiyan is moving so fast that it will practically breeze through the country and 2. Most of the affected areas are prepared for the typhoon.

Both the local and national governments were prepared with evacuation centers and rescue units. Residents were made aware of the strength of this typhoon and were encouraged early on to evacuate.

These dramatically lessened the damage Haiyan wrecked. It still ruined thousands of houses, buildings, and properties but, so far, only 3 casualties were reported. This, in itself, is a blessing.

So, let us all still continue to pray that Haiyan will not take any more lives. This country already lost so much this year.